Q & A
Can I just “opt-out” of Social Security and Medicare?
Complete Question: I’m in my 20’s and I’m not happy with the current Social Security situation, not to mention the state of healthcare in the US right now. I don’t think it’s right that I should have to pay FICA…
How long does someone have to work to qualify for Social Security Disability?
Complete Question: I know there are a lot of requirements for disability, but there’s one thing that I don’t understand. I’ve heard that there are two different types of Social Security Disability – one based on income and one based…
What exactly is the Social Security benefit for surviving spouses?
Complete Question: I’m currently trying to plan for the best time to file for my benefits. I’ve been told to think about my wife because the timing of when I file will affect her widow’s benefit. When I tried to…
I’m receiving Social Security…do I still have to pay Social Security taxes?
Complete Question: I am 68 years old and I have been taking my Social Security benefit since I was 62. I’m not on disability or receiving any form of government “assistance”. The benefit payments I’m getting are based on my…
COLA was 0% in 2009 and 2010? I thought it was 2010 and 2011?
Complete Question: The other day you answered someone’s question about whether or not COLA can be 0%. In your answer, you mentioned that COLA was recently 0% in 2009 and 2010. I’m 72 and have been on Social Security for…
Is it possible for COLA to be 0% or even a negative amount?
Complete Question: The government says COLA is based on the increase in costs of consumer goods and services. But it seems so low. Is it ever possible for the COLA to be 0%? Or even worse, could Social Security ever claim…
I don’t want to file for Social Security when I’m 65…what happens with my Medicare?
Complete Question: As far as I know, I’m entitled to Medicare because I’m entitled to Social Security. I’ve always been told they go hand-in-hand – if you get Social Security, you get Medicare. I’ll be 65 in a few months and…
My WEP reduction is so much…should I just take spousal benefits instead?
Complete Question: I was a government employee for most of my career, but I also paid into Social Security. As you probably know, this means that I am affected by WEP, which reduces my Social Security benefits. I don’t agree…
My wife and I are ready to consider filing for Social Security. Where do we begin?
Complete Question: My wife and I are getting to the point where we want to look into filing for Social Security. We have a lot of questions about how and when we should file. We are hearing so many different…
Can I get ex-spouse benefits instead of my own Social Security benefits?
Complete Question: I am 64 years old. I originally wanted to wait until 66 to get Social Security so that I could get the full amount, but it’s been difficult waiting and paying the bills, so I figured I will…